millions gathering today in various houses of worship regardless of religion or race. including south africa's president, jacob zuma, who attended one event with mandela's ex-wife. >> thank you very much for responding to the requests we made after this unprecedented loss in our country. >> well, the tributes continuing to pile up as people arrive from all over to attend memorial services for the antiapartheid icon. >> for me being here, it's a very special moment today because nelson mandela really is that symbol of unity. he's a symbol of peace and hope. >> today's national day of prayer opens an official period of mourning that will continue all week. nbc's michelle kosinski remains in johannesburg for us. tell me about the mood there and what you're seeing from the people who are coming to lay all those beautiful flowers and notes. >> reporter: hi, alex. it is absolutely jubilant. it's difficult not to get emotional because i think that sense is really palpable. it's dark now. it's been raining. but people keep coming. in fact, this is more people we've seen out he